One of the things I like most about Googie-inspired architecture is that you never really know what form or shape they’re going to take. This one, with all sorts of planes and angles heading all direction is Ben Frank’s, which opened in 1962 at 8585 Sunset Blvd, which puts it smack dab in the middle of the Sunset Strip. I especially love that towering spike holding the sign. It’s so space-age-jetset-y!
The diner is still there. These days it’s a Mel’s. This image is from February 2021.
Maybe Flo is working in there today
If she is, you can kiss her grits!
Ate there often in the 60s.
I ate there the day it closed. don’t remember when. But I was always confused that a real life coffee shop closed down, and then soon after, re-opened as a facsimile of a real life coffee shop. Never ate there after it became Mel’s — it just couldn’t be the same
the best Cheese Blintzes
worth a special trip
This Ben Frank’s is where the Go-Go’s came up with their band name.
Best corned beef hash & eggs. Loved eating at the counter at 2am after a night of strong drink served by the fun rude French waitress. RIP Ben Frank’s…